Penmanship is an important skill for an educated person; although, it is often dismissed as trivial if the student has the slightest problem learning to write. A person’s writing, though, is useless if no one can read it. The Presidential Penmanship program delivers a solid skills development method and beneficial quotes and scripture references to write on the mind and heart.

Presidential Penmanship uses the Getty and Dubay Italic style. I personally do not like the Italic style at all, so if you are in that mindset Presidential Penmanship isn’t for you. However, Italic has many supporters especially in the homeschooling world. If you fall in this group of supporters, Presidential Penmanship could be a good fit for you. The levels available are first through sixth, Junior High, and Senior High. Each level uses quotes from Presidents with older levels also using scripture references for copy samples. As the student practices good handwriting skills, good, quality sayings and scriptures to live by are written on the mind and heart. Grade 1 level provides lessons that begin with the quote written in quality penmanship for example. Some students, especially some special needs, may find it good practice to first use this example for finger tracing getting a feel for the flowing motion before attempting to write. The Grade 1 level then provides a sample written with block script that allows a student to write on the sample within the lines. This is followed by another sample written normally, but slightly lighter in gray scale allowing the student to continue practice by writing on top of the gray lines. Finally, to end the lesson for the week, there are blank lines for the student to try writing the quote on their own. Grade 1 lines and spaces are bigger and bolder with a thin guide line inside the writing space for help with letter heights. Grade 2 uses a similar method for the lessons without using the block letters at first, and the writing space begins to get smaller. Grade 3 begins Italic cursive which doesn’t use a separate set of letters as other cursive styles do, so the student can easily transition to cursive from print. The remaining levels use the same basic lesson format that just enhances the skill development to normal cursive writing as the student’s physical abilities mature, as well. Older student copy longer quotes and copy scripture references. The lessons in the program begin as daily practice for a week and transition to practicing about three times per week, and there are enough lessons for a regular school year. The teacher can adjust the schedules for the best interests of the student. Presidential Penmanship gives the student ample help in developing good handwriting skills as their hearts and minds are strengthened in scripture and history.

Presidential Penmanship is available on CD containing all the levels of the program for $39.99. If you prefer the Italic style of handwriting, Presidential Penmanship is an affordable curriculum than can fit your children’s needs like a glove. Check it out at http://www.zeezok.com.

Zeezok Publishing provided me with a free copy of Presidential Penmanship for the purposes of this review. I did not receive any other compensation, and the opinion is entirely my own.